Robert Rhodes of New Mexico State University has been named provost at Abilene Christian University beginning July 1.

ACU President Phil Schubert made the announcement by email to the faculty Wednesday.

According to the NMSU website, Rhodes is an associate professor and department head of special education and communication disorders.

Rhodes will be formally introduced during ACU?s morning chapel service on Monday.

In his note to the faculty, Schubert said Rhodes ?is a relational leader who possesses a unique ability to help unite the diverse parts of a university community around a common vision and mission.?

The ACU provost is the chief academic officer in the university?s administration.

Rhodes? selection comes after a four-month search that began after it was announced in November by Schubert that Jeanine Varner?s contract was not renewed. In addition, during the past three months, three deans have resigned their positions at ACU.